The order will be applicable to all girl students of CUSAT, including those pursuing PhD (Representational Image)
CUSAT rules state that 75 percent attendance is mandatory in each semester to appear for the exam. However, with girls claiming “menstrual advantage” in case of lack of attendance, the minimum criteria will be brought down to 73 per cent.
In a rare move by a higher education institution, the Cochin University of Science and technology (CUSAT) in Kerala has allowed female students to claim an additional two per cent concession in attendance in each semester under “menstrual benefit”. The university rule states that 75 percent attendance is mandatory in each semester for the examination. However, at the same time, the minimum criteria will be brought down to 73 per cent for girls to claim “menstrual benefit” in case of lack of attendance.
“After considering the requests for the benefit of menstruating women students, the Vice-Chancellor has ordered to sanction an additional 2 per cent for shortfall in attendance of women students in each semester, subject to reporting to the Academic Council.” Recent orders issued by the Joint Registrar.
This order will be applicable to all girl students doing PhD in CUSAT. The order will now be placed before the Academic Council for procedural approval. It is expected that it will be implemented soon after getting the approval.
A university official, however, said the exemption would be different for each student as it would depend on his/her attendance. “It will be different for each student. Every female student can claim two per cent of her total attendance as menstruation benefit. Hence the exact number of leave has not been mentioned in the order.”
Many students of the college have been demanding relief in attendance for some time now. According to university sources, various student unions were pressing for menstrual benefits for girl students. A proposal in this regard was formally submitted to the Vice-Chancellor of the University. This was approved, following which the Joint Registrar issued an order.
Namita George, chairperson of the University Students’ Union, said, “As per the rules, CUSAT students need 75 per cent attendance in each semester to appear for the exam. But, through the new order, girl students will get a relaxation of two per cent and their eligible attendance in each semester will be reduced to 73 per cent.
with PTI inputs
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